‘Hooyah! Mission accomplished’ greets Thai boys rescued from cave

Thailand Ministry of Public Health

Adrian Cunningham
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11 July, 2018, 11:52

Dr Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, inspector-general of the ministry, said the first group of four people, aged 14-16, who arrived at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital on Sunday were eating normal food, with no sign of a fever.

South Australian police specifically requested Dr Harris because of the complexities of the nearly 8km stretch of winding underwater passages inside the perilous cave network.

Families of both groups were allowed to visit them in their patient rooms but were required to wear protective clothing and remain at least two metres away to prevent disease transmission.

"The rescue mission was made possible by a remarkable example of worldwide cooperation".

Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre co-ordinating the rescue operation, told reporters that while he appreciated Musk's offer, the submarine wasn't practical for the cave rescue.

The Wild Boar is equipped with four air-tank connections, so up to four rescue divers can connect their hoses to share oxygen with the passenger. They received a treat on Tuesday: bread with chocolate spread that they had requested.

Deep inside the cave system, Dr Harris administered a mild sedative to the boys, ensuring they remained calm during the gruelling 1.7km swim to the surface.

U.S. steps up China trade spat with $200bn new tariffsThe International Monetary Fund has warned that a full-blown trade war could undermine the broadest global upswing in years. He added the USA is ready to target an additional $200 billion, and then $300 billion more should Beijing retaliate.

It was a "miracle" they had survived and an even greater one that the rescue team, including global caving experts, were able to hatch a plan to get them out alive.

Ms Bishop said the doctor is also known to authorities for his work on medical assistance teams in natural disasters in the Pacific region, and has taken part in Australian aid missions in Vanuatu.

John Tangkitcharoenthawon, a local village chairman, was bursting with happiness over the successful rescue.

"On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the Thai Navy SEALs and all on the successful rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the treacherous cave in Thailand", he tweeted. "It doesn't fit with our mission to go in the cave", Osotthanakorn said. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop hailed Harris for being an "integral part of the rescue attempt". "Such a handsome moment - all freed, great job!"

ELON Musk came to Thailand with his mini-sub and a plan to help in the soccer team rescue - but his offer was bluntly dismissed by the Thai Government.

A message posted on the English Premier League club's Twitter account said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected". His condition was apparently of such concern that medics didn't even wait for police cruisers to escort them to a nearby helipad, the Thai military sources said.